PRETEND

Patrick Tomlinson, known for his imaginative works in the science fiction genre, took a stand against the onaforum's vicious gangstalking attacks, hoping to end the torment he endured for over five years. However, the court ruled against him, leaving him without the justice he sought and burdened with paying the site owner's legal fees.

Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:

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Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror as cyber stalkers repeatedly sent police to their doorstep in a relentless "swatting" campaign. The couple, who claim to have experienced this terrifying ordeal 42 times, describes the chilling encounters with officers storming their home with guns drawn, handcuffing Tomlinson in his front yard, and even alleging that he had killed his wife. The reason for this campaign of terror, they say, stems from a trivial online criticism of the late comedian Norm Macdonald, leading to a series of threatening messages encouraging the author to take his own life.

Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio

PRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985

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WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised.

Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living in fear for years, enduring a relentless campaign of terror orchestrated by cyberstalkers, all stemming from a seemingly innocuous tweet about the late comedian Norm Macdonald. Tomlinson's criticism of the "Saturday Night Live" comic as not funny ignited a firestorm of online harassment, including threatening emails, voice messages, and disturbing Reddit posts urging him to harm himself.

Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio

PRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985

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This is the episode you've been waiting for!

While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating case: Dr. Grace Gressman (not her real name). As a central player, Dr. Gressman holds valuable insights into the stalker's actions. What is her connection to the Fernandez family? What does she have to say about the mysterious messages? 

In today's episode, we finally hear Dr. Gressman's story.

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The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000.

Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would lead him down a treacherous path of deception and impersonation.

Unbeknownst to John, Jennifer never actually filed his taxes and instead fabricated an elaborate web of lies. She even went as far as impersonating the IRS to fool John into believing everything was in order. But John's story doesn't end there. As he bravely speaks out, it becomes evident that Jennifer's peculiar scam has also ensnared others.

Today, we explore the complexity between love and taxes.

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Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up as his father's accomplice. 

David's father, Thurston Crow, lived a life of crime: stealing, lying, and killing anyone who stood in his way. And right beside him, the whole time, was his young son David. In this episode, hear David's story of overcoming a life of crime and trying to understand why the one person he trusted most in the world took advantage of him.

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David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice.

In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's the story of a father and son entangled in a life of crime.

David recounts his experiences as his father's criminal accomplice, always by his side. And what it was like growing up with a violent and convicted felon who used the Native American reservation as a refuge to evade his enemies.

This episode is the story of a young boy grappling with his place in the world, torn between his father's influence and his desire for a different path.

The Pale-Faced Lie part 2 is now available on PATREON and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast.

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Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about? Who in that house is capable of sending such disgusting messages?

If only we could talk to someone who lived with them. 

Last week, out of the blue, Brittni Stone reached out to me because she lived with the Fernandez family for five years. She has a lot to say about the Stalker series. But maybe her insights can lead us closer to the truth. 

Plus, hear the latest on the trial. Has the state offered Tanya and Rick a plea deal? 

Listen to the latest bonus episode of The Stalker, then post your reaction on Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

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The Ponzi Playbook:

Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.

Episode 1 Description:

We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit.

The first two episodes are available right now. Download wherever you get your podcasts

https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook

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This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most talked-about series on PRETEND. Some listeners have even listened to it multiple times, hoping to find some clue or slip-up that could help them solve the mystery.

Listeners are clamoring for more updates. But it's important to note that this type of investigation takes time, and it took me two years to report on this story. The series ended with Tanya and Rick Fernandez being indicted by a grand jury on computer tampering charges and aggravated harassment.

Initially, I wasn't sure if the case would even make it to trial. I expected Tanya and Rick to plead guilty and accept a lighter sentence. However, that has yet to happen.

In this episode, I will provide an update on where the trial stands and share some interviews I recorded with Tanya and Rick that were not included in the original series. While these interviews didn't align with the story's central plot at the time, they shed some light on the type of drama surrounding this case.

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